Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dustin McGowan wins first decision in over 5 years

Regardless of circumstance, it is already impressive to see a pitcher in the American League put up a performance that completes 6+ innings of shutout ball, especially away from his home ballpark. In the case of Dustin McGowan of the Toronto Blue Jays, however, Friday night’s effort stood out from the pack for an entirely different reason.

It was McGowan’s first “win” since June 22, 2008. 

Yes, you read that correctly. Because of various injury issues, Dustin McGowan hadn’t snatched a win in nearly six years, and that makes this one a night to remember. McGowan navigated 6.1 innings while allowing only 5 hits and 1 walk, and while he only struck out two, his 90-pitch effort was enough to outlast the Baltimore Orioles, 2-0.

Hilariously, the Blue Jays garnered both of their runs on the offensive end without the benefit of a hit to drive in either of them, but that was almost fitting of a night that was destined to give McGowan the spotlight. After three shoulder surgeries, expectations are extremely low for McGowan in terms of future performance, but for as long as he is healthy, it appears that he will be an effective option for John Gibbons and the Blue Jays, and this is a night that he surely will never forget.